The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons eight years of age and older with intellectual disabilities, who wish to participate, giving them continuous opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Perhaps most importantly, and consistent with over four decades of driving societal change, Special Olympics has steadily helped shift the general public’s perception of people with intellectual disabilities. It is one thing to change a life; it is quite another to change a mindset. Whether through direct involvement or the subtle evolution of one’s own thinking, everyone has the opportunity to be affected by the work of Special Olympics.

Beyond sports, Special Olympics’ greater goal is to demonstrate the relevance of Special Olympics to the greater public. As one of the most trusted, established and respected brands in the world, Special Olympics has been at the forefront of bringing services, awareness and dignity to people with intellectual disabilities and stands uniquely poised to educate, shape public perception and to help empower one of the last and largest disenfranchised populations in the world. Special Olympics is more than an event, it is a movement, with sport as the catalyst for quality healthcare, for dignity, and for meaningful change for all of Charlotte county's citizens.

Needs Statement

Special Olympics never charges its participants or their families or caregivers a fee for participation. This is made possible only through the generosity of individuals, businesses and organizations who donate the funds needed for Special Olympics Charlotte to deliver its services and programs. Donations are accepted year-round.

Background Statement

The concept of Special Olympics began in the early 1960s when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a day camp for people with intellectual disabilities. From that experience, it was clear that these individuals were far more capable in sports and physical activities than many experts believed.

In 1968, Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver organized the first International Special Olympics Games at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Special Olympics Florida was founded in 1972 and has been growing ever since! Special Olympics Florida is one of the largest volunteer driven athletic organizations in the state. Involving over 18,000 athletes who have intellectual disabilities, SOFL is made possible by over 17,432 coaches and volunteers, annually.

Special Olympics Charlotte has 12 training programs and trains year-round at many locations throughout Charlotte County. We serve over 185 athletes.

Through successful sports training and competition, Special Olympics athletes develop physically, socially, and psychologically. The positive experiences that the athletes have in ongoing Special Olympics programs builds confidence and self-image, which carries over into all aspects of their lives.

Areas Served

Areas Served

Area

FL- Charlotte

FL

Areas Served CommentsCharlotte County, Florida, which includes Punta Gorda and part of Englewood.

Special Olympics Florida - Charlotte County provides year-round training and competition opportunities to approximately 185 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Charlotte County. Participation in Special Olympics is voluntary and free of charge to all eligible participants. Participants must be at least eight years of age and have been diagnosed with intellectual disabilities or a related cognitive developmental disability. For children with disabilities who are younger than 8 years, Young Athlete Programs (YAP) are now being offered in several location in Charlotte County.

Because of programs such as Healthy Athletes, Athlete Leadership, and Young Athletes, Special Olympics now stands as a leader in the field of intellectual disability, making incredible strides in the areas of health, research and policy change. Special Olympics Charlotte County currently offers 12 sports year round.

Budget$42,700

Category Human Services, General/Other Human Services, General/Other

Program Linked to Organizational StrategyYes

Population ServedPeople/Families with People of Developmental Disabilities People/Families with of People with Disabilities

Short Term Success

Many athletes have received ongoing medical care due to screenings conducted. Over the past two years, we have trained four athlete leaders and their mentors, plus started a local leadership program involving 10 local athletes. We have started Young Athlete Programs (YAP) in several schools and community centers for children with intellectual/developmental disabilities who are younger than 8 years.

Long Term SuccessContinued expansion of Athlete Leadership Programs and Young Athlete Program offerings, as well as Healthy Athlete Program screening frequency and range of services. Our athletes benefit from the variety of sports programs offered.

Program Success Monitoring

At the beginning and conclusion of each sport season, a meeting is held with the coaches to plan and assess the season. Coaches solicit feedback from athletes and family members. Needed adjustments are discussed. Sports programs with low attendance are discussed to determine the feasibility of continuing the program.

Program Success Examples

Participation in both our bowling and basketball programs has increased by more than 25%. Our Healthy Athlete program resulted in five athletes demonstrating marked weight loss. Dental and eye screenings have resulted in several athletes receiving care they would have otherwise not received.

Comments

Program Comments by Organization

The governing body for Special Olympics Florida - Charlotte County is our Management Team. The Management Team is made up of volunteers from the community. More than 35 certified coaches provide training in 12 sports for athlete participants. almost 200 volunteers assist with sports programs, community outreach, fundraising and administrative support. Special Olympics is the only organized recreation program for people with disabilities in Charlotte County. There is no upper age limit for participation.

Special Olympics Charlotte collaborates with Charlotte County Public Schools, Charlotte Country Parks and Recreation and the Charlotte County YMCA for use of their facilities and staff at no charge for many of our sports programs.

External Assessments and Accreditations

Assessment/Accreditation

Year

Risk Management Provisions

Plans

Fundraising PlanNo

Communication PlanNo

Strategic PlanNo

Strategic Plan YearsN/A

Strategic Plan Adopted 0

Management Succession PlanNo

Continuity of Operations PlanNo

Policies

Nondiscrimination PolicyYes

Whistle Blower PolicyNo

Document Destruction PolicyNo

Directors and Officers Insurance PolicyNo

Policies and ProceduresYes

Comments

Management Comments by Organization

Special Olympics Charlotte is an accredited sub-program of Special Olympics Florida. Our program undergoes an accreditation process each year through Special Olympics Florida.

Special Olympics Charlotte County is not supported financially by the state, national or international Special Olympics organization. We are totally dependent on donations received in Charlotte County to support the local program.

Financial Comments by FoundationFinancial information taken from IRS Form 990 and audit documents. Individual contributions include foundation and corporate support. Financial information for 2016 was taken from the Federal 990 which encompasses all of Florida. No financial information specific to Charlotte County was available at time of review.

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA COUNTY, INC. IS A REGISTERED 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT CORPORATION.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER
SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE (1-800-HELP-FLA) OR FROM THE WEBSITE:
WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM.
REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT (100%) OF
EACH CONTRIBUTION IS RECEIVED BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA COUNTY. REGISTRATION #SC-02471.

Profiles in The Giving Partner do not indicate endorsement by partner foundations.